Switching apparatus



W. M. SCOTT.

SWITCHING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 16. l9l-8.

9 SHEETSSHEET L FICi'z 1 INVENTOR- MLJ. 92w MQKSW 7&4 A TI'ORNEY W. M. SCOTT.

SWITCHING APPARATUS...

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 16. 19w.

FIG 2 Pamnted July 5, 1921.

9 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

IN VE N TOR fiw & ATTURNEY W. M. SCOTT.

SWITCHING APPARATUS. APPLICATION FILED NOV. H5. 1918.

1,383,430. Patented July 5, 1921.

9 SHEETSSHEET 3.

INVEN TOR %/ZM fif. M 4 Mg C375 ATTORNEY W. M. SCOTT.

SWITCHING APPARATUS.

APPLHZATION FILED NOV. 16, l9l8.

Patented July b, 1921.

9 SHEETS-SHEET 4 7 A TTORNEY W. M. SCOTT.

SWITCHING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 16, 19m.

1,383,430, Patented July 5, 1921.

9 SHEETSSHEET 5.

INVENTOR.

75 ATTORNEY W. M. SCOTT.

SWITCHING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 16. I918.

Patented July 5, 1921.

9 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

% Qiw ATTORNEY W. M. SCOTT.

SWITCHING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 16. I918.

Patented July 5, 1921.

W1 A. 4M 36% & ATTORNEY W. M. SCOTT.

SWITCHSNG APPARATUS. APPLICATION FILED NOV-.16, l9l8.

1,383,430. Patented y 5, 1921.

I/VVENTOR W. M. SCOTT. swncmws APPARATUS;

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 16, I912]' Patented July 5, 1921.

9 SHEETS-SHEE'I 9 hi1 Z".iiil mix 1 4' ATTORNEY WILLIAM MI. SCOTT, OF TREDYFFRIN TOWNSHIP, CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

PATENT OFFICE.

SWITCHING APPARATUS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented July 5, 1921.

Original application filed August 29, 1917, Serial No. 188,717. Divided and this application filed Novemoer 16, 1918.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, WILLIAM M. SCOTT,

a citizen of the United States, residing in Tredyifrin township in the county of (/hester and State of ennsylvania, have invented a new and useful Switching Apparatus, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to electrical switching apparatus for the control of various current paths or circuits.

My invention resides in electric switching apparatus comprising a plurality of switches provided with features of structure and interlocks causing or allowing their actuation or control only in predetermined manner or order of succession; and my invention re sides in further features in structure of switchin mechanism and switch actuating mec anism hereinafter described and claimed.

This ap lication is a division from my applic iation ger. No. 188,717, filed August 29, 191

For an illustration of one of the various forms my invention may take, reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the alternating current part of the system with its controls.

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view showing the direct current part of the system with its controls.

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of the low and intermediate voltage breakers of the alternating current part of the system.

Fig. 4 is a side elevational view, on larger scale, of part of the interlock mechanism of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a side elevational view of the full voltage and neutral breakers of the alternating current part of the system.

Fig. 6 is a side elevational view, on larger scale, of interlocking mechanism of the apparatus shown in Figs. 3 and 5.

Fig. 7 is a front elevational view of the mechanism shown in Figs. 3 and 5.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of the motor actuated mechanism of Figs. 3, 5 and 7.

Fig. 9 is a side elevational view of one pair of breakers, in closed position, of the direct current part of the system.

Fig. 10 is a side elevational view of the Serial No. 262,802.

other part of breakers, in open position, of the direct current part of the system.

Fig. 11 is a front elevational view of the breaker mechanism shown in Figs. 9 and 10.

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary perspective view of the motor actuated mechanism of Figs. 9, 10 and 11.

Fig. 13 is a side elevation of electro-magnetic means responsive to equalization of voltage.

Fig. 14 is a front elevation of the mechanism shown in Fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary side elevation of mechanism shown in Figs. 9 and 11.

Fig. 16 is a front elevation of the mechanism shown in Fig. 15.

Referring first to Figs. 1 and 2, (1., I) and c are the supply conductors from a 3-phase alternating current source supplying energy to the transformer primaries P P and P whose secondaries S, S and S deliver alternating current, generally of lower voltage, to the rotary converter R, Fig. 2, whose armature is indicated at A and with which cooperates in well known manner a rotary converter booster B for altering the voltage of the direct current delivered from the armature A. The direct current from the rotary converter R is delivered either to the positive and negative direct current feeders e and 7 through the circuit breakers D and D respectively, or to the direct current feeders r and I: through the circuit breakers E and E respectively, the different sets of feeders being, for example, supplied at different voltages by generators not shown. Common to all the direct current feeders is the neutral conductor N, which is controlled by the neutral breakers N N and N of Fig. 1.

The conductors c, f and N form a 3-w1re system in which the conductor N is at a voltage higher than the conductor f by an amount substantially half the voltage dlflerence between the conductors c and f. Similarly the conductors y. la and N form a 3-wire system, but in this case the difference in voltage between the conductors g and I: is less than or different from that between the conductors c and f, when desired, and so the conductors e and 7' may be considered as'part of a high voltage system and the conductors r and h as part of a low voltage system. \Vhen the high voltage system involving conductors e and f is to be employed, only the breakers D D are closed; and similarly when the low voltage system employing conductors g and h is to be employed, only the breakers E E are closed. But when both systems are of equal voltage, as hereinafter described, as when conductors e and g are at the same voltage and conductors f and h at the same volta e, both pairs of breakers D D and E may be simultaneously in closed position, though successively moved to closed position.

From one terminal of each of the transformer secondaries S S and S Fig. 1, extend the conductors i, j and 7:, respectively, which terminate in Fig. 2 in three brushes bearing upon the three slip rings of the rotary converter armature A Upon the remaining three brushes and slip rings of the armature A are impressed first a low voltage, then an intermediate voltage, and then the full voltage of the secondaries S S and S to start and bring the rotary armature A up to synchronous speed and full voltage.

From a low voltage tap in the secondary S extends a conductor m to the upper mam terminal of circuit breaker A Fig. 1, whose lower terminal connects to conductor m,

which terminates in Fig. 2 with one of the three lower brushes last referred to; similarly a conductor 11 extends from a low voltage tap in secondary S to the upper contact of the circuit breaker A whose lower contact connects by conductor a with another of the three lower brushes, Fig. 2; and a conductor 0 connects with a low voltage tap of transformer S and to the upper terminal of the circuit breaker A whose lower terminal connects by conductor 0 with the remaining of the three lower brushes, Fig. 2. From intermediate voltage taps on the transformer secondaries S S and S extend the conductors p, r] and '1', respectively, to the upper terminals of the circuit breakers B, B and B, respectively, whose lower terminals connect respectively with the conductors m, n and 0 And from the remaining terminals of the transformer secondaries S S and S extend the conductors s, t and "a, respectively, communicating with the upper terminals of the circuit breakers C, C and C whose lower terminals communicate respectively with the aforementioned conductors m, n and 0 From the mid-points of the secondaries S, S and S extend the conductors v, 'w and a? to the upper terminals of the neutral circuit breakers N, N and N respectively, whose lower terminals communicate in common with the aforesaid neutral conductor N.

To start the rotary converter R the breakers A A and A whose movable contact members are mechanically coupled so that they open and close as a unit, are first closed, whereby low voltage is impressed upon the armature A; then the breakers B, B and B whose movable contact members are mechanically coupled and open and close as a unit, are closed and simultaneously the breakers A A and A open, in order to prevent short circuiting of part of each of the secondary windings of the transformers. \Vith these breakers closed the intermediate voltage is impressed upon the armature A. Thereafter the breakers C C and C, and N N and N all of whose movable contact members are mechanically coupled so that they open and close as a unit, are closed, and the breakers B B and B are opened to prevent short circuiting of portions of the secondary transformers; and there is now impressed upon the armature A the full voltage of each of the transformer secondaries S, S and S and the neutral conductor N of the direct current distribution system is in communication with the midpoints of the three secondaries.

In Fig. 2, with the breakers D and D closed as illustrated, direct current from the commutator y of the armature A is delivered to the high voltage direct current feeders e and 1, current flowing from the commutator 3/ through the positive brush to conductor a through overload tri coil breaker D to conductor 6; and rom the negative commutator brush through negative conductor 2 through the series coil 61 of a reverse current tripping mechanism having also the voltage coils 61 as well understood in the art, thence through the overload tripping coil 61 and the breaker D to negative conductor f of the direct current distribution system.

When the breakers D and D are open, the breakers E and E may be closed, as when the armature A is delivering a lower or different voltage than before, in which case lower or different voltage will be impressed upon the direct current distribution conductors g and it, the positive conductor 2 communicating with the breaker E which in turn communicates with the distribution circuit conductor g; and the negative conductor .2 connects to the breakers E which in turn is connected with the distribution conductor It.

The different voltages supplied from the armature A are procured in well known manner by the accompanying rotary converter booster B whose rotary element is generally coupled with or upon the shaft of 'the rotary converter armature A.

The foregoing is a general outline of the mode of operation of the system.

The various structural features, electrical and mechanical interlocks, and functions will now be described.

Referring to Figs. 3 and 7, there is mounted upon the base or switchboard 1 the low voltage breaker mechanism comprising three poles and having the three movable contact members A A and A above these is mounted the intermediate voltage breaker mechanism comprising three movable contact members B B and B The three movable contact members A, A and A move as a unit and are supported upon arms 2 pivoted at 3, and actuated by a toggle comprising the links 4 and 5, the latter being integral with the lever arm 6 pivoted at 7.

The structure is similar in these respects in the upper breaker mechanism comprising the movable contact members 13, B and B similar parts bearing similar reference characters.

In each of the mechanisms there is provided on the lever arm 6 a latch roller 8 adapted to be engaged and held by the latch 9 which restrains the movable contact members in their circuit closing position. These pivoted latch members are mechanically interconnected by the vertically extendin rod 10. Pivoted at its upper end to the %ever arm 6 of the lower breaker mechanism is the downwardly extending connecting rod 11 pivoted at 12 to the crank 13 secured to the worm gear segment 14. Similarly there is pivoted at its upper end to the lever arm 6 of the upper breaker mechanism a downwardly extending connecting rod 15 pivoted at its lower end at 16, Fig. 8, to the crank 17 of the worm gear segment 18.

The gear segments 14 and 18 are actuated respectively by the worms 19 and 20 driven, respectively, throu h universal joints by the gears 21 and 22, ig. 8, which in turn are driven by the gear 23 secured upon and driven by the armature shaft of the electric motor M. Each of the worms is moved into or out of mesh with its companion gear segment by a toggle comprising links 24 and 25 controlled by electro-magnets or solenoids 26, 26, Figs. 1 and 3.

As shown in Figs. 4 and 7, there is an interlock between the lower and upper breaker mechanisms whereby the latches 9 of the lower breaker mechanism are actuated to tri the lower breakers when the upper breakers all but reach the circuit closing position. This interlock mechanism comprises a crank 27 secured to the lever arm 6 of the upper breaker mechanism and carrying at its inner end a pin 28 engaging in the slot 29 at the upper end of the downwardly extending rod 30 pivoted at its lower end to the bell crank 31 carrying at its other end the roller 32 cotiperating with the cam member 33 associated with the latches 9 of the lower breaker mechanism to actuate them and thereby trip the lower breaker mechanism when the rod 30 moves upwardly in response to clockwise movement of the lever arm 6 of the upper breaker mechanism accompanying closing movement thereof.

Upon the bell crank 31 is a projection 31, which, should the actuation of the latches 9 fail promptly to cause the lower breaker mechanism to open, will positively engage and actuate the lower lever arm 6 and thereby positively open the lower breaker mechanism.

Referring to Figs. 5 and 7, there are mounted upon the switchboard 1 the full voltage tap breaker mechanism, comprisin the movable contact members C, C and 3 all moving as a unit, and below the neutral breaker mechanism comprising the three movable contact members N, N and N Each of these-mechanisms comprises arms 2 pivoted at 3 and actuated by a toggle comprising the links 4 and 5 the latter integral with the lever arms 6. And in each mechanism there are latches 9 for restraining the breaker mechanisms in the circuit closing position illustrated.

The lever arms 6 of the upper and lower mechanisms are positively connected for movement in both directions by the connecting rod 34, whereby both breaker mechanisms close and open in unison. The latches 9 of the upper and lower mechanisms are interconnected by the vertically extending rod 10.

Pivoted at its upper end to a lever arm 6 is the downwardly extending connecting rod 35 pivoted at 36 to the crank 37 of the gear segment 38, with which coiiperates a driving worm 39, Fig. 8, connected by universal joint to the armature shaft of the motor M The worm 39 is actuated into and out of engagement with the gear 38 by a toggle comprising links 24, 25, of which the latter is actuated and controlled by a solenoid or electroma net winding 26", Fig. 1.

s appears in Figs. 5, 6 and 7, there is an interlock between the upper breaker mechanism of Fig. 3 and the breaker mechanism of Fig. 5. Pivoted at its lower end to the lever arm 6 of the lower breaker mechanism of Fig. 5 is the upwardly extending rod 40 pivoted at its upper end to one arm 41 of a bell crank lever whose other arm 42, having the stop 42* limiting its movement, is spaced laterally from arm 41, as indicated in Fig. 7, and pivoted to the rod 43, which in turn is pivoted to a crank 44, Fig. 6, pivoted at 7 Carried by the crank 44 is the roller 45 co-acting with the cam member 46 which is operatively associated with the latches 9 of the upper breaker mechanism of Fig. 3, whereby upon closure of the breaker mechanisms of Fig. 5 the rod 40 is drawn downwardly, and through the connections described actuates the cam member 46, which in turn actuates the latches 9, freeing the upper breaker mechanism of Fig. 3 and causing it to open. In case the upper breaker mechanism of Fig. 3 should not promptly respond upon actuation of its latches 9 by the member 46 as described, a projection 44 on crank 44 engages and positively actuates the upper lever arm 6 of said breaker mechanism, causing it positively to open.

Referring to Fig. 8, there is associated with the ear segment 18 a lever 47 pivoted at 48 to t e base of the apparatus and having pivoted at its forward end a hook member 49 whose counter-clockwise movement is limited by the engagement of the lug 49' against the top side of the lever 47. In the position illustrated, this hook 49 engages the gear segment 18 and prevents its rotation in such direction as to pull downwardly upon the connecting rod 15.

Pivoted at 50 to the base of the apparatus is a cam arm or lever 51 adapted to be actuated by the pin 52 secured to the gear segment 14. Movement of the cam lever 51 is transmitted to the lever 47 by the connecting bar 53.

Associated with the gear segments 14 and 38, respectively, are the pivoted lever arms 47 and 47, similar to the above-described lever 47, and each carrying at its forward end and operating the similar hook members 49 and 49 having, respectively, the stops 49 and 49. Carried by the crank 37 of the gear segment 38 is a pin 37 which is adapted to en ge and lift the pivoted lever 51' connecte by bar 53 with the hook lever 47 Pivoted at its lower end to the hook lever 47 is the upwardly extending rod 54 actuated by hereinafter described electro-magnetic means when the rotary converter B, Fig. 2, has attained or approximately attained full speed.

As shown in Fig. 8, the worms 19, 20 and 39 are locked against engagement with their associated gear segments whenever their associated hook levers 47, 47 and 47 are in their lowermost positions in which they lock their respective gear segments. This is effected by the hook shoulders 47 on each of said hook levers.

Associated with each of the gear segments 18, 14 and 38 is a hand lever 55, Figs. 3, 5 and 7, each of which carries a gravity-controlled pivoted dog 56, Figs. 3 and 5, adapted to enga e for downward movement only the lugs 5 on the gear segment members, Figs. 3 and 5, whereby these handle levers may actuate the associated breaker mechanisms independently of the motors M or M The mode of operation of the mechanical interlocks illustrated in Fig. 8 is as follows: Normally all the breaker mechanisms of Figs. 1 and 7 are 0 en, in which case the gear segments 18 an 38 are both locked by their associated hooks 49 and 49, while gear segment 14 is not restrained by its hook 49 because the pin 37 on crank 37 of gear segment 38 is raised and holds the lever arm 51 raised and therefore holds the hook lever 47 raised. In the operation, hereinafter more fully described, the motor M is started and drives the gear 23, which in turn drives both gears 21 and 22. Simultaneously with the starting of the motor M worm 19 is shifted into mesh with the gear segment 14 and the latter is therefore driven by the motor M and moves the connecting rod 11. downwardly, closing the mechanism comprisin the contact members A A and A hen these almost reach closing position the pin 52 will have lifted the cam lever 51 and thereby raised the hook lever 47 to unlock the ear segment 18, which may then be actuate by the motor M which is re started for the purpose, and simultaneously with its restarting the worm 20 is shifted into mesh with the ear segment 18, which then pulls downwar ly upon the connecting rod 15 and moves the breaker mechanism comprising contact members B B and B toward circuit closing position. Just before these contact members reach circuit closing position the rod 30, Fig. 4, moves upwardly and actuates the cam member 33, which trips the lower breaker mechanism of Fig. 3 as hereinbefore described. Immediately thereafter the upper breaker mechanism of Fig. 3, that actuated by gear segment 18,

reaches circuit closing position and is there locked by latches 9. Thus far the rotary converter R has been subjected in succession to the low and intermediate voltages supplied by the transformer secondaries. As it approximates or reaches full synchronous speed the rod 54 is moved upwardly, as later described, and unlocks'the gear segment 38, whereupon the motor M may be started and the worm 39 shifted into mesh with gear 38 and the breaker mechanisms of Fig. 5 simultaneously closed and locked in circuit closing position. But as the breaker mechanisms of Fig. 5 approach their circuit closing position, the rod 40, Figs. 3, 5 and 6, is moved downwardly with the downwardly moving lever arms 6 of the breaker mechanisms of Fig. 5 and thereby trips, as hereinbefore described, the upper breaker mechanism of Fig. 3 comprising the movable contact members B B and B Accompanying the full closure of the breaker mechanisms of Fig. 5, the pin 37 moves away from the lever 51, thereby allowing the hook l ver 47 to fall and cause the hook 49 to lock the gear segment 14 in the position illustrated in Fig. 8, that is, with the associated breaker mechanism open; and the opening of the breaker mechanism actuated by the gear segment 14 has been accompanied by removal of pin 52 from the under side of the cam lever 51, thereby allowing the hook lever 47 to fall and cause the hook 49 to engage and lock the gear segment 18 in the position illustrated in Fig. 8, that is, in position corresponding with the open position of the associated breaker mechanism comprising the contact members B, B and B The breaker mechanisms illustrated in Fig. 3 may also be tripped by the tripping magnet 58 whose armature 58 is adapted to actuate the latches 9 and thereby trip either of the breaker mechanisms which may be in circuit closing position.

Similarly with respect to the breaker mechanisms shown in Fig. 5, they may also be simultaneously tripped by the trippin magnet 59 having the armature 59 adapt to simultaneously actuate the latches 9 of both breaker mechanisms.

Referring to Figs. 9 and 11, the breaker mechanism for the high voltage direct current circuit e, f comprises the movable con tact members D and D actuated by the lever arms 6 which are interconnected by the rod 60 which causes them to operate as a unit. These contact members are held in the circuit closing position illustrated by the latch 61 in the lower mechanism, whic1 may be tripped either upon overload, by armature 61 of overload trip coil 61", Fig. 2, or upon reversed current flow by the armature 61 actuated by series coil 61, which consists in this case of a current carrying bar passing through a horseshoe magnet 61, and shunt coils 61 Fig. 2, in well known manner. These breaker mechanisms may be actuated to circuit closing position by the hand lever 62 which, however, is rendered inoperative, upon the non-closable principle, as well understood in the circuit breaker art, if an overload exists when attempting to close the breakers. The interconnected lever arms 6 are connected by rod 63 to the crank 64 on the gear segment 65 with which is adapted to cooperate the worm 66, Fig. 12, connected through a universal joint with the gear 67 driven by the gear 68 which in turn is driven by the electric motor M the worm 66 bein actuated into and out of engagement with the gear 65 by the toggle comprising the levers 24, 25 actuated by an electro-magnet or solenoid winding 69, Figs. 2 and 12.

Referring to Fig. 10, there is shown in open circuit position a similar breaker mechanism comprising upper and lower movable contact members E and E operated by the lever arms 6, which again are interconnected by a rod 60". The upper breaker E is a dapted to be locked in circuit closing position by the latch 70 adapted to be tripped by an overload magnet 70", Fi 2, whose armature is 70*. The lower brea er E is similarly provided with a latch 71 adapted to be tripped upon energization of tripplngmagnet 72 whose armature is 72 and also upon dei nergization .of the no-volta e magnet 7 3 whose armature is 73. Furt ermore, the reverse current tripping mechanism whose armature is 61, Fig. 9, besides trippin the breakers D D is adapted to trip the Tatch 71 of the breaker E and through the rod 73 the latch 70 of the upper breaker E; that is to say, when the breakers E, E are closed, and the breakers D, D are 0 en the former may be tripped as just descri d by the armature 61 which communicates tripping movement to a transversely extending rod 74, whose end appears in both Figs. 9 and 10, and when the breakers D, D are closed and E E open, the armature 61 will trip the breakers D 1) upon reverse current flow.

The breakers E E may also be closed, upon the non-closable principle by the hand operating lever 62.

The lever arms 6 of the breakers E E are connected by connecting rod 75 with the crank 76 on the gear segment 77, with which latter is adapted to coiiperate the worm 78, Fig. 12, driven through universal joint by the gear 79 driven by the gear 68, the worm 78 being actuated into and out of mesh with the gear segment 77 by the toggle 24, 25 controlled by the engaging coil 69, Figs. 2 and 12.

Referring to Fig. 12, the gear segments 65 and 7'1 are each provided with a hook lever 80 and 80 connected and caused to operate in unison by the bar 81 and carrying at their ends the hooks 82 and 82 for locking the gear segments against actuation by the motor M or hand operating lever 62 or 62. The worms 66 and 78 are also adapted to be locked against movement into mesh with their gear segments by the hook shoulders 83 and 83 upon the levers 80, 80.

Adapted to actuate the bar 81, and therefore the attached hook levers 80 and 80*, is the vertically extending bar 84 adapted to be actuated upwardly upon energization of the solenoid 85.

As shown in Figs. 15 and 16, there is a switch comprising stationary contacts 86, 86 adapted to be engaged and bridged by the movable contact 86 carried on an arm 87 pivoted at 87 and having on opposite sides integral arms 87 on each of which there is pivoted at 87 a pawl 88 having the stop 88 limiting its counter-clockwise move ment as viewed in Fig. 15. Movable with each of the gear segments 65 and 77 is an arcuate member 89 supported at its one end upon the crank of the gear segment and at its other end joined by the inwardly extending portion 89 to the gear segment.

When either of the breaker mechanisms D D or E E is in circuit closing position its associated gear segment is in such position that the upper end of the member 89 is below the associated pawl 88; and when either breaker mechanism moves to open circuit position the associated gear segment rotates in counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 15, causing the inner edge of the member 89 to enga e the pawl 88 and thereby rotate the mova le contact 86 in a counterclockwise direction, Fig. 15, away from the stationary contacts 86, 86 and thereby open the switch which is in series with the motor M as indicated diagrammatically in F i 2.

ssociated with this last named switch isa solenoid 90 adapted when energized to raise its core and cause the pin 90 to engage and raise the arm 87 integral with the switch arm 87 and thereby close the switch, whose movable contact is 86, for purposes hereinafter described.

Referring to Figs. 13 and 14, there is illustrated electro-magnetic mechanism responding to equality of voltages of the two direct current circuits supplied through the breaker mechanisms D D and E E the function of the structure being to allow these breaker mechanisms which, when the voltages of their circuits are unequal, may never be in closed position simultaneously, to be simultaneously in closed position. This structure comprises four magnet coils 91, 92, 93 and 94, indicated diagrammatically in Fig. 2, and all cooperating with an armature structure 95 pivoted at 95 and carrying the movable contact member 96 cotiperating with the three stationary contacts 96, 96 and 96". From the positive conductor 9 of the low voltage direct current circuit connection is made through conductor 97 with the mow able contact 97 adapted to engage simul taneously the stationary contacts 97" and 97", from the former of which a connection is made through the magnet windings 91 and 92 in series with each other to the conductor 98 communicating with the negative conductor h of the low voltage direct current circuit; and from the contact 97 connection is made through the winding 94 and conductor 99 to the positive conductor (2 of the high voltage direct current circuit. The magnet winding 93 has one terminal connected to the conductor 98 and its other terminal to a stationary contact 100 adapted to be connected by the movable contact 100 with with the stationary contact 100 connected by conductor 101 to the negative conductor f of the high voltage direct curent circuit. When the voltages of the direct current circuits are unequal, that is, the one of higher voltage than the other, as assumed normally to be the case, and the movable contacts 97* and 100 are moved into engagement with their associated stationary contacts, the lower magnet windings 93 and 94 predominate and retain the armature 95 in the position illustrated in Fig. 13 holdin the switch 96 open. If the voltages of the direct current circuits are substantially equal, however. the upper magnet windings 91, 92 predominate and attract the armature 95 to close the switch 96 with the efl'ect that both breaker mechanisms D, D and E E may simultaneously occupy their circuit closing positions; as later described.

The operation of the system as a whole is as follows:

To start the rotary converter R the op erator actuates the operators switch 0, Fig. 1, to bring its movable contact 102 into engagement with the stationary contact 192". The movable contact 102 is connected with the conductor 103 forming with the conductor 104 a circuit supplying electric energy for the various controls. This allows current to flow from conductor 103 through the operators switch and thence through conductor 105, through switches 106 and 107, the localizing switch 108, solenoid 26, motor switch 109 through the series motor M, comprising field winding 110 and armature 111, to the other conductor 104 of the supply circuit. The switches 106 and 107 are controlled by the breakers C and B respectively, both these switches being closed when the breakers are open, as is the case when starting the rotary converter. In consequence the motor M starts and simultaneously the solenoid 26 actuates the associated toggle 24, 25 and shifts the worm 19 into mesh with the gear segment 14, whereby the latter is actuated by the motor M and pulls downwardly upon the connecting rod 11 and moves the breaker mechanism A, A and A to circuit closing position, where it is locked by latches 9. Shortly after the 0perators switch has been actuated the localizing switch 1.08 moves from its upper contact to its lower contact, which latter is directly connected to the conductor 103, so that once the motor has been started it continues in operation even should the operator restore the switch to normal position or break the circuit described. And as the breaker mechanism reaches circuit closing position the switch 109 is opened and breaks the motor circuit, denergizing solenoid 26 with resultant movement of the worm 19 away from the gear 14 and the motor M stops. There is now impressed upon the conductors m 71)- and 0 the low voltage delivered by the secondaries of the transformers, and the armature A of the rotary is set into rotation.

The operator may then move the switch 0 in opposite direction to bring contact 102 into engagement with contact 102-, whereby current will flow through conductor 112 and through the switch 113, closed when the breaker mechanism A, A and A was closed, to the localizing switch 108, solenoid winding 26. and motor switch 109 through the motor M to the conductor 104. In consequence the motor starts and the solenoid winding 26 actuates the toggle 24, 25 to shift the worm 20 into mesh with the gear segment 18 to rotate the same. The gear segment 18 has been unlocked because the pin 52 on gear segment 14 in closing the associated breaker mechanism has lifted the cam lever 51 and through the bar 53 has lifted the hook lever 47 to unlock both the gear segment 18 and the worm 20. The gear 18 now pulls downwardly upon the connecting rod 15 and moves the upper breaker mechanism toward circuit closm position. In so doing, the rod 30, Fig. 4, is actuated as hereinbefore described to trip the lower breaker mechanism which moves to 0 en circuit position just before the upper reaker mechanism B B and B closes circuit. When the breaker mechanism A A and A moves to open circuit position, the connecting rod 11 is raised, rotating the gear segment in counterclockwise direction, Fig. 8, withdrawing the pin 52 from beneath the cam lever 51, and finally takes the position illustrated in Fig. 8, where it is then locked by the hook 49 and its worm 19 is locked in the osition illustrated by the hook catch 47. VEith the breaker mechanism B, B and B closed, intermediate volta e is impressed upon the armature A of t e rotary R through the conductors m, n and 0 and it increases in speed and will approximate or reach synchronous speed.

While at the moment of starting the armature A there is delivered to the conductors a and 2 connected to the brushes of the direct current commutator y of the armature A an alternating or fluctuating current of frequency equal to that of the current supplied by the transformers whose secondaries are S, S and S, the frequency of such current in the conductors z, 2 progressively diminishes as the armature A increases in speed, and when the armature reaches synchronous speed it is non-fluctuating or direct current that is delivered to these conductors.

From the conductor 2 there extends a con; ductor 2 which connects through the switch 114, closed when the breaker mechanism N, N and N is open, to one terminal of the winding 115, which is connected in series with the solenoid winding 116 and the inductive winding or inductance 117 connected through conductor 2 to the conductor 2 The winding 115 is the primary of a transformer whose secondary winding 118 connects to the winding 119 of an electro-ma et whose armature 120 is attached to the ai d i'ementioned rod 54, Figs. 5 and 8.

When the armature A is below a predetermined speed, as synchronous speed, alternating current flows through the windings 115 116, 117 and 119, and as the frequency of this current is higher, the lower is the value of the current throu h the solenoid 116, which is therefore una le to move the rod 54 upwardly against the downwardly exerted attractive force of the electro-magnet whose armature is 120, which latter is held in its lowermost position by the current delivered from the transformer secondary 118. As the armature A increases in speed, however, the frequency of this current diminishes until finally the solenoid 116, in which the current becomes stronger and stronger, overpowers the electro-magnet 119, which becomes weaker, and raises the rod 54, thereby raising the hook lever 47 and releasing the gear 38 and worm 39 from the hook 49 and hook catch 47, respectively, it being remembered that the gear 38 is at this time in position ii milar to the illustrated position of gear 14,

rom the foregoing it will be understood that the upper and lower breaker mechanisms, Fig. 5, cannot be actuated until the armature A of the rotary converter has attained synchronous or nearly synchronous speed.

The operator may now actuate the second operating switch 0 Fig. 1, to move its movable contact 102 into enga cut with the stationary contact 102 an thereby allow current to flow from conductor 103 through conductor 121 through. the now closed switch 122 controlled by the upper breaker mechanism of Fig. 3 through the switch 123, closed' when the rod 54 is actuated as above described, to the localizing switch 108", thence through the solenoid winding 26 in parallel with the motor M comprising series field winding 110 and armature 111, and then through the now closed motor switch 109 to the conductor 104 of the supply circuit. The motor M starts and soon after the switch 108 is shifted upwardly as viewed in Fig. 1, leaving the motor energized independently of the operators switch, and a resistance 124 is cut into series with the solenoid 26 to prevent its overheating and yet allows enough current therethrough to maintain the worm 39 in mesh with the gear 38.

The motor accordingly actuates the gear 38, the worm 39 having been moved into mesh with it by solenoid winding 26, and moves the breaker mechanisms of Fig. 5 toward circuit closing position. Just before reaching circuit closing position the rod 40, Figs. 3, 6 and 7 is actuated to trip the breaker mechanism B and B as hereinbefore described. The breaker mechanisms of Fig. 5 then reach and are latched in circuit closing position, whereupon full voltage from the secondaries S S and S is impressed upon the rotary converter R which runs at full voltage and synchronous speed.

Should it be desirable or necessary at any time to tripeither of the breaker mechanisms of Flg. 3, the operator may actuate the push button switch 125, Fig. 1, whereupon current will flow from conductor 103 through conductor 126 and either of the switches 127 or 128,closed when their associated breaker mechanisms are closed, through the trip coil 58 to conductor 104, energizing that trip coil which will accordingly actuate the latches 9 of both the upper and lower breaker mechanisms of Fig. 3 which are, as hereinbefore stated, interconnected by the rod 10. Similarly the breaker mechanism illustrated in Fig. 5 may be tripped by closing the push button switch 129, Fig. 1, whereupon current will flow from conductor 103 through conductor 130 through the switch 131, which is closed when the breaker mechanism C, C and C is closed, through the trip coil 59 to the conductor 104, energizing the trip coil which will then trip both the breaker mechanisms of Fig. 5 whose latches are interconnected by a rod 10 as hereinbefore described.

ith the rotary converter R now running at synchronous speed, direct current is delivered by the commutator ;2 to the conductors a and 2 Vith both the breaker mechanisms D, D and E, E in open position, either, but not both, may be closed to transmit current to the corresponding direct current system, by the operation as follows:

The breaker mechanisms 0, C C and N N N of Fig. 1 having been moved to circuit closing position, the switch 132 associated with the breaker N has been closed, thereby closing the circuit of the solenoid 85, Fig. 2, through a circuit extending from conductor 103 through the switch 133, which is closed when the breaker Diso en, through conductor 134, switch 135, Wl'llCl'l is closed when breaker E is open, conductor 136, solenoid 85, conductor 137, through the aforementioned switch 132 to conductor 104, Fig. 1. As a result of energization of solenoid 85, the switches 138 and 139 are closed and remain closed unless breaker N 0 ns, or breaker D or breaker E closes. 0 close the breaker mechanism D, D which has been assumed open, the operators switch 0*, Fig. 2, is actuated to bring its movable contact 140, connected with conductor 103, into engagement with the stationary contact 140, thereby permitting current to flow from conductor 103 through the operators switch 0 to conductor 141, through the switch 139, conductor 142, to localizing switch 108 through conductor 143, the switch 144, movable with the localizing switch 108 to conductor 145, thence through the coil 69, the now closed motor switch 109 and the now closed switch 86", and series motor M comprising the field winding 110 and armature 111', to conductor 137 through the switch 132, Fig. 1, to the negative conductor 104 of the supply circuit. Accordingly the motor M starts and the worm 66 is shifted by coil 69 into mesh with gear segment 65, rotating the latter to pull downwardly upon the connecting rod 63 to close and latch the breakers D D a gear segment 65 and the worm 66 having been freed, respectively, from the hook 82 and locking shoulder 83 by energization of the solenoid 85, which has moved the hook levers 80 and 80, Fig. 12, upwardly.

The coil 69 actuates the worm 68 throu h the toggle 24, 25 which also actuates the localizing switch 108 and the switch 144*, the latter opening to prevent closure of circuit of coil 69 and so prevent shifting worm 78 into mesh with gear 77, and preventing closure of the motor circuit controlled by contact 140*.

Upon closure of the breakers D D the switch 133 is opened, thereby deenergizing the solenoid 85, with the result that switches 138 and 139 are opened and, Fig. 12, the hook levers 80 and 80 again descend, the hook 82 again locking the gear segment 77 and the connecting rod against actuation by the hand operating lever 62, and the hook shoulder 83 preventin actuation of worm 7 8 into mesh with gear 7.

And the opening of switches 138 and 139 by the aforementioned deenergization of a solenoid 85 prevents energization of the motor M to actuate either of the breaker mechanisms D, D or E E With the breakers D, D closed as described the armature A of the rotary converter 11 supplies current to the direct current system whose positive and negative conductors are, respectively, a and f.

If it is desired to connect the conductors g and h of the other direct current system to the armature A, the breakers D 2 must first be opened, and this is accomplished by energizing the trip coil 72, controlled by the push button switch 146, Fig. 2,which allows current to pass from cotnductor 103 through the solenoid 90, conductor 147 to trip coil 72, to conductor 104. As a result the solenoid 90 is energized, reclosing the switch 86", which opened when the breakers D, D opened, due to the operation of the mechanism illustrated in Figs. 15 and 16; and the trip coil 72 is also energized to trip the breakers D, D by actuating the bar 74, through link 72", Fig. 10, which actuates the latch 61, Fig. 9.

Upon release of the push button switch 146, the solenoids 90 and 72 are deenergized, but nevertheless the switch 86 remains closed, which is its position when both breaker mechanisms D D and E, E are open.

Now breakers E, E may be closed by shifting the operators switch 0 to the right to bring contact 140 into engagement with stationary contact 140", thereby allowing current to flow from conductor 103 through the operators switch and the conductor 148 to the switch 138, switches 138 and 139 being now again closed because solenoid 85 is again energized because switches 133 and 135 are both closed, thence through conductor 142 through localizing switch 108 through conductor 143 through the switch 144, movable with switch 108, to conductor 145 to the solenoid 69* through the closed motor control switch 109, through the now closed switch 86, through the motor M conductor 137, switch 132, Fig. 1, to conductor 104. This as before starts the motor and energizes the coil 69 which shifts the worm 78, Fig. 12, into mesh with the gear 77, both the worm and gear being unlocked because of energization of solenoid 85, and the motor actuates the gear 77 to pull downwardly upon the connecting rod 75 to close the breakers E E When these breakers E E reach circuit closing position the switch 135 is open, thereby deenergizing solenoid 85, thereby opening switches 138 and 139, and allowing descent of hook levers 80 and 80, Fig. 12, to lock the gear segment and worm 66, the gear segment 65 having taken the open cirgiitDposition due to tripping of breakers The breakers D D and E E are tripped either upon overload, by their respective overload coils 61 and or upon reverse current flow by the tripping coils 61, and 61, serving to trip both breaker mechanisms, or upon failure of voltage, that is, upon a novoltage condition, by the no-voltage magnet 7 3, Figs. 2 and 10, which tripseither of the mechanisms which may be in circuit closing position. 1

Should there be an overload or other abnormal condition upon either circuit 2, f or g, h, and it be attem ted to close either of them by the motor under control of operators switch 0 that breaker mechanism which has been actuated by the motor M will immediately be tri ped and move to open circuit position. Sliould the operator, however, hold his switch 0 in the position which last energized the motor M the motor would tend to again immediately close the circuit breaker mechanism, which would immediately be tripped again and so cause a periodic actuation which might be harmful to the mechanism. To prevent any such condition the solenoid 90 and associated switch 86 is provided. The openin of the breaker mechanism by the motor 2 causes theswitch 86 in series with motor M to open mechanically by the means illustrated in Figs. 15 and 16. But this switch cannot again be closed, as is essential to the operation of the motor M until the operator presses the push button switch 129 to energize solenoid 90 to again close the switch 86", whereupon the motor M can again be energized.

multaneously in circuit closing position, in which case the voltages of both direct current systems are substantially equal, the mechanism of Figs. 13 and 14, responsive to equal voltage upon the direct current s stems, comes into play. As Previously escribed, when the voltages on the direct current systems e, f and g, h are equal or substantially equal, the armature 95 comes under the control of magnet windings 91 and 92 and closes the switch whose movable element is 96, thereby bridging the three contacts 96, 96" and 96, Fig. 2. This is in response to actuation of the operators switch 0 in bridging contacts 97, 97 and 100 and 100". Simultaneously with the actuation of the operators switch 0 for the purpose last described, its movable contact 149 has been brought into engagement with stationary contact 150 connected to contact 96. This permits current to flow from the conductor 103 through the operators switch 0 through contacts 96 and 96 to conductor 136 through the solenoid 85, conductor 137, switch 132, Fig. 1, to conductor 104, thereby again energizing solenoid 85 and closing switches 138 and 139. Assuming the break- .ers D D to have been previously closed by the motor M the energization of the solenoid 85 also unlocks the gear segment 77 and worm 78, Fig. 12, whereupon the operators switch 0 may be shifted to the right, Fig. 2, to bring contact 140 into engagement with contact 140 and cause the operation of the motor M as hereinbefore described to close the breaker mechanism E E the operators switch 0 being held in the circuit closing position durin this method of control. Accordingl ot breaker mechanisms D D and E are simultaneously in circuit closing position. Solenoid 85 has again been deenergized by opening switch 135 and restoring the operators switch 0 to normal position.

Simultaneously with the actuation of the movable contact 96 as above stated, while the operators switch 0 is in actuated position, current will flow also from conductor 103 through contacts 96 and 96 through the electric signal lamp 158 and its rotecting resistance 159 to conductor 13 thence through switch 132, Fig. 1, conductor 104, causing the light 158 to glow and thereby indicate to the operator who is holding the operators switch 0 in actuated position that the voltages on the direct current circuits are equal or substantially equal, as evidenced by the actuation of the armature 95 which causes the closure of the circuit of the lamp In case the neutral conductor N should become open circuited or burnt out, the novoltage coil 7 3 will tri either of the breaker mechanisms 1), D or E which may be in circuit closing position, because the circuit of the coil 73 has for its one terminal the conductor 2 and for its other terminal the neutral conductor N directly at the neutral breakers N N N the switch 151, closed when N is closed, controlling its circuit through the conductor 152.

At 153, Fig. 2, is shown a switch whose movable contact member is actuated upon excess speed of the armature A of the rotary converter R in any well known mannor, to close a circuit from conductor 103 through the switch 153, conductor 154, switch 155 or 156, dependin upon whether D or E is closed, to con uctor 147, trip coil 72 to conductor 104, energizing trip 0011 72 to trip either breaker mechanism which may be in circuit closing position. When switches 155 and 156 are opened the resist ance 157 is in series with trip coil 72 to protect it should switch 153 remain closed for a considerable time.

Vi hat I claim is 1. The combination with an electric switch, of a motive device for actuating the same in one direction, means for causing said switch to move in opposite direction, a switch controlling the circuit of said motive device moved to position to prevent energization of said motive device when said first named switch is moved in said opposite direction, and means independent of said motive device and said first named switch for actuating said second named switch to position allowing energization of said motive device.

2. The combination with an electric switch, of a motive device for actuating the same in one direction, means for causing said switch to move in opposite direction, a switch controlling the circuit of said motive device moved to position to prevent energi zation of said motive device when said first named switch is moved in said opposite direction, and electro-magnetic means for moving said second named switch to position allowing energization of said motive device.

3. The combination with an electric switch, of a motive device for actuating the same in one direction. means for locking said switch upon actuation by said motive device, means responsive to predetermined electrical condition for actuating said locking means to release said switch, a second switch moved to position to prevent energization of said motive device when said first named switch is released, and means independent of said first named switch and said motive device for moving said second switch to position to allow encrgization of said motive device.

t. The combination with an electric switch, of a motive device for actuating the same in one direction, means for locking said switch upon actuation by said motive device, means responsive to predetermined electrical condition for actuating said locking means to release said switch, a second switch moved to position to prevent energization of said motive device when said first named switch is released, and electro-magnetic means for actuating said second switch to position to allow energization of said motive device.

5. The combination with an electric switch, of a motive device for actuating the same in one direction, means for iocking said switch upon actuation by said motive device, means responsive to predetermined electrical condition for actuating said locking means to release said switch, a second switch moved to position to prevent energization of said motive device when said first named switch is released, electro-m agnetic means for actuating said second switch to position to allow energization of said motive device, a trip coil for releasing said first named switch, and a switch controlling said electro-magnetic means and said trip coil.

6. The combination with an electric switch, of a gear for actuating the same in one direction, an electric motor for driving said gear, means for locking said switch upon actuation by said gear, means for actuating said locking means to release said switch, a second switch controlling the circuit of said motor, means rotatable with said gear upon release of said first named switch to move said second switch to prevent energization of said motor, electro-magnetic means for moving said second switch to position to allow energization of said motor, and a manually controlled switch controlling said electro-magnetic means.

7. The combination with an automatic circuit breaker responsive to predetermined electrical condition, of a motor for actuating the same to closed position, a switch actuated by said circuit breaker when tripped to position to prevent energization of said motor, and means independent of said motor and said circuit breaker for moving said switch to position to allow energization of said motor.

8. The combination with an automatic circuit breaker responsive to predetermined electrical condition, of a motor for actuating the same to closed position, a switch actuated. by said circuit breaker when tripped to position to prevent energization of said motor, manually controlled electro-magnetic means for moving said switch to position to allow energization of said. motor. and a manuai switch controlling said motor through said switch.

9. The combination with a plurality of electric switches, of a motor for actuating the same in one direction, means preventing simultaneous actuation of said switches by said motor, a switch actuated to position to prevent energization of said motor by movement of each of said first named switches in opposite direction, and means iiidependcnt of said switches and said motor for moving said switch to position to allow energization of said motor.

10. The combination with a plurality of electric switches, of a motor for actuating the same in one direction, means preventing simultaneous actuation of said switches by said motor, a switch actuated to position to prevent energization of said motor by movement of each of said first named switches in opposite direction, means inde endent of said switches and said motor or moving said switch to position to allow energization of said motor, and a manually operated switch controlling said motor through said switch.

11. The combination with a plurality of automatic circuit breakers each responsive to a predetermined electrical condition, of a motor for actuating each of them to circuit closing position, means preventing simultaneous actuation of said circuit breakers by said motor, said breakers when tripped moving to open position independently of said motor, a motor control switch moved to position to prevent energization of said motor by the opening movement of each of said breakers, and means independent of said breakers and said motor for moving said control switch to position to allow energization of said motor.

12. The combination with a plurality of electric switches, of an electric motor for actuating the same an operators switch movable to a plurallty of positions in each of which it controls said motor, a localizin switch in circuit with said operators switc for each of the positions of the latter actuated to prevent control of said motor by said operators switch, and a switch movable with each of said localizing switches controlling a circuit for said motor through another of said localizing switches.

13. The combination with a plurality of electric switches, of an electric motor for actuating the same, an operators switch movable to a plurality of positions ineach of which it controls said motor for actuating one of said switches, a localizing switch for each position of said operators switch actuated in response to control by said operators switch to prevent control of said motor by said operators switch, and a switch movable with each of said localizing switches to prevent actuation of another of said first named switches by said motor.

14. The combination with a plurality of electric switches, of an electric motor for actuating the same, a disengageable mechanical connection between said motor and each of said switches, a coil for controlling each of said disengageable mechanical connections, an operators switch movable to a plurality oii positions in each of which it controls one of said coils, and a switch actuated to prevent operation of one of said coils when another of said coils controls a disengage'able mechanical connection between said motor with one of said first named switches.

15. The combination with an electric switch, of a gear for actuating the same, a motor for driving said gear, means for locking said gear against actuation, and electromagnetic means for actuating said locking means to free said gear.

16. The combination with an electric switch, of a motor for actuating the same, a disengageable mechanical connection intervening between said motor and said switch and comprising a member driven by said motor and a second member for actuating said switch, a lock restrainin said second member against actuation, an electro-magnetic means for actuating said lock to free said second member,

17. The combination with an electric switch, of a motor, a driven member for actuating said switch, a member driven by said motor for driving said driven member and disengageable therefrom, means for locking said driven member, means for locking the other member against engagement with said driven member, and electro-responsive means controlling said locking means.

18. The combination with a plurality of electric switches, of a gear for each connected thereto for actuating the same to circuit closing position, means for actuating said gears, means for locking one of said gears to prevent actuation thereby of its associated switch to circuit closing position when another of said switches is in circuit closing position, and means movable with the gear associated with said other switch for actuating said locking means to release said first of said gears when said other switch moves to open circuit position.

19. The combination with an electric switch, of means for actuating the same, a lock engaging said means to prevent its operation, electro-magnetic means controlling said lock to release said means, and a switch movable with said first named switch for rendering said electro-magnetic means inoperative when said first named switch has been actuated by said actuating means.

20. The combination with an electric switch, of a motive device for actuating the same, means for locking said switch against actuation, electro-magnetic means. controlling said locking meansfand a switch controlling said motive device controlled by said electro-magnetic means.

21. The combination with an electric switch, of a motive device for actuating the same, means for locking said switch against actuation, electro-magnetic means controlling said locking means, a switch controlling said motive device controlled by said elec- 

